Hairlines On Bullion Coins From Apmex- Caused By Baggies?

Call APMEX to discuss.

Thanks for the wisdom and advice. I am a big fan of the variety and artwork of modern silver bullion coins. I prefer the one ounce size, as I am on a strict budget. Most bullion coins that are BU that I acquire, I place in airtites. If you buy them in bulk, airtites are not too expensive. I do occasionally buy PCGS graded (MS-69 usually) bullion coins, such as pandas and libertads; I believe the term semi-numismatic applies to these types. APMEX appeals to me because it satisfies both my silver stacking, and collecting urge.

I am really not sure how a "baggie" would create hairline scratches on a silver coin.

I have never purchased from them. Do they have reviews? Maybe see if it's a common problem.

It sounds like what it would look like if someone cleaned it with a cloth or towel. Are the baggies plastic? Maybe if there are smudges someone there is making the mistake of polishing them up a little?

They have a great reputation. Maybe if you call they will make sure someone pre-checks your future orders. A lot of companies will do a little extra to earn your repeat business.

The problem with bullion is just what has been noted, it is bullion and as bullion isn't meany to be perfect EXCEPT where the line is drawn is COLLECTABLE bullion. Series Bullion such as ASEs are "bullion" in the strictest sense, a one troy oz piece of silver NIFC. Silver series sushc has the Zombucks series is sought after for highest quality, degraded items fall int a "degraded proof" category of collectable. Then some silver bars are even seen as collectable. What is sad is most buy silver to stack and don't treat what could be collectable until too late, it sounds like APMEX is a dealer that does so unfortunately. Why I have ALWAYs bought mine from Provident, they come individually in airtight or by rolls(if I could afford them!)I don't think I would accept any less form of shipment.


And here's another "shouldn't be a freebie": If there are small particles of dust or other micro-contaminants on a coin (common ststic) prior to being put into a 2x2 flip, baggie, paper coin envelope, or even an oversized mylar 2x2, movement of the coin and contact by pressure WILL CAUSE hairlines. The ONLY way of avoidance is to limit MOVEMENT within the holding media, period. I'll be expecting "the check is in the mail" response...

Thank you all for your help and words of wisdom. I contacted APEMX, and they are willing to let me return the coin for replacement or refund. I have decided that because it is bullion, I will save them the postage and keep the coin. Their customer service is top of the line, and with their good prices and selection, I will continue to do business with them. They do sell bullion coins in packages that they call "mint direct" that are about the same size of a standard PCGS or NGC certified coin, but the packaging is much thinner, and the coin is ungraded. This option is generally a few dollars more, and I will select this option from now on if I want to avoid the baggies.

They have reviews, and I have only seen a couple of bad reviews for bullion coins with the same issue. The baggies are plastic, and I agree that it is most likely contaminants on the coin or the baggie, combined with movement, not the baggies themselves causing the hairlines.

The good news is an ounce of silver is still and ounce of silver, and if I want bullion coins with a higher degree of protection, I will select the mint direct option, and save my airtites for coins I buy at my LCS and coin shows.

Thank you all again for your help and advice.

Also, thanks for the welcome, it is always nice to hear from other 1oz silver bullion collectors.